Kookaburra Steam Engine Co.
Mount Riverview, NSW
Ceased Trading: 2008
Kookaburra steam engines were extremely good looking models with high prices aimed at the collector rather than the hobbyist.
The engines were produced in limited numbers and had individual serial numbers.
They produced an Overtype Engine, and also had plans for future production of both a Mill Engine, and a Traction Engine.
001 Overtype Engine
Advertised as having the following features:
Heavy Cast Engine
Individually Numbered Series
Precision Throttle Control via Variable Cam Timing - Forward Neutral Reverse
Flywheel with Drive Groove
All Copper Boiler
Pressure Safety Valve
Baked Enamel & Brass Finish
Working Miniature Steam Whistle
Safety Spillproof Burner
Profiled Rainforest Timber Base
Dustproof Acrylic Display Case
Designed & Manufactured in Australia
Suitable for Ages 10 yrs - 100 yrs!!!
Technical Specifications:
Weight - approx. 2kgs. (4 1/2 lb.)
Size - approx. L-210mm. (8 1/2in.) W-160mm (61/4in.) H-200mm. (73/4in.)
High level of detail in Engine Casting & Stand
Brass Cylinder & Piston
Operates on Methylated Spirits, Ethanol or Wood Alcohol Only
Normal operating pressure 20psi. (138kpa.)
Boiler pressure tested to 120psi. (827kpa)
Includes Operating Instructions & Warranty
Intended for Home Use Only
Owner feeback
While everything about this engine looked impressive, feedback from people who have owned one suggests a different story. With the engines components being poorly made and assembled most engines were non-runners. The engines used a number of cast metal components, however the metal used appears to have been of a low quality and susceptible to breaking very easily. Cracking of the firebox is not uncommon.
These engines should be regarded as a display piece only.
The following video shows what could quite possibly the only running example of a Kookaburra steam engine. This was after the engine received a major rebuild and modification by it's owner.
Youtube video by: scorpion2nz
Traction Engine
At least two examples of the Traction Engine are known to have been made, one for each of the business owners.
